Author Jason Reynolds Visits McAuliffe International and Stedman Schools

On Friday, Sept. 8, a select group of McAuliffe International and Stedman Elementary students had the chance to engage in a lively discussion with author Jason Reynolds, a renowned #1 New York Times bestselling author.

The impactful talk from Reynolds, the U.S. Library of Congress’ “National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature” from 2020-2022 and a NAACP Image Award winner, focused on the important connection between literature and identity. Reynolds spoke about how books can make readers feel less alone through characters or stories that resonate with the reader’s struggles or experiences.

“Find something you can connect to – it’ll raise your spirit,” said Reynolds. “It saved my life.”

Each participating student received a complimentary signed copy of one of Reynolds’ books. Reynolds encouraged the students to read books that align with their interests, even on video games, to keep up their reading engagement.

Reynolds’ visit was sponsored by the Greater Denver CARES Mentoring Movement, a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that BIPOC youth have access to quality literature.